A South West Surrey Youth Orchestra summer prom concert has already been pulled, and other small promoters are struggling to meet the costs of a licence and the demands of the application process.

A month ago, the Surrey Advertiser reported a large hike in Guildford's licence fee in January had prompted two major promoters of concerts at Loseley Park to pull out of the borough.

The council has said it makes no profit from its licence fees, and they are comparable to those of other local authorities. Community event organisers pay a reduced sum.

The July summer prom concert at Gosden House School has run successfully for 10 years and would have raised funds to send young musicians abroad.

Neither the school nor the South West Surrey Music Centre has been asked to apply for a licence before, but this year were faced with prosecution if they failed to fill out a "complex" application form and pay an advance of £200.

The head of the music service, Ian Morrish, was told he would than have to fork out 12 pence per head for his anticipated audience of 1,000.

"It was money we just cannot afford," he said. Gosden House's head teacher, John David, asked: "Surely the borough council should be offering a service to put the package together?"

Major Keith Crossman, organiser of the Burpham 2000 community event, said he had to come up with the £200 from his own pocket. Ironically, the council had already given him a £500 grant for the event.

But a council spokesman said: "The information required on the application form enables the council to monitor specific measures and deal with matters such as noise control, safety of equipment and traffic management measures.

Our licensing function provides a service to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. In special circumstances the fee may be reduced at our discretion."